The story of the intra-national restitution requests for the return of the Lindisfarne Gospels in the British Library continues.

From:
Northumberland Gazette

Published Date: 30 January 2008
Source: Northumberland Gazette
Location: Northumberland
MP renews calls for return of Lindisfarne Gospels

By ROBERT BROOKS
ALAN Beith has renewed calls for the British Library to look again at returning the Lindisfarne Gospels to the North East.
The MP, whose constituency includes Holy Island, has been supported by other MPs over bringing the priceless cultural treasure back to its native home.

And he has sponsored an Early Day motion in the House of Commons following press reports about the British Library withholding information and putting forward “spurious arguments for not allowing the Gosp
els to be returned to the North East”.

Mr Beith said: “I am disappointed that a respected institution like the British Library has been obstructive and has withheld information which could strengthen the case for the Gospels to be returned.

“I hope the British Library will look again at the calls which have been made for the return of the Lindisfarne Gospels to the North East and will give this matter its serious attention.”

The illuminated Latin manuscript of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John was created on Holy Island during the late 7th century or early 8th century.

It is thought that a monk named Eadfrith, who became Bishop of Lindisfarne in 698 and died in 721, penned the pages in honour of St Cuthbert.

Despite surviving Viking raids, the manuscript was seized by Henry VIII when he dissolved the monasteries, and it has resided at the British Museum since the 18th century.

The full article contains 237 words and appears in Northumberland Gazette newspaper.
Last Updated: 29 January 2008 11:35 AM